Do you know that virtual reality already works on WordPress? In fact, as of today, you can easily create and publish your VR content, both photos, and videos, on any WordPress.com website. What’s more, anyone who has a modern smartphone can have the pleasure of experiencing Virtual Reality on any WordPress VR website.

When we learned about this a month ago, it fascinated us. The modern virtual reality is very new. Also, browser APIs and web specifications take time to implement. Yet, here it is.

But, let’s take a step back and talk about what ‘it’ is.

What is VR for WordPress?

WordPress Virtual Reality or WebVR, allows developers to build contained VR experiences. Think of it like Web Graphic Library (WebGL); webVR doesn’t make WordPress sites look like they are rendered in 3D but instead, it allows developers to build and embed 3D renderings based on existing technology.

How WordPress VR works

As you read this, you can create, upload and publish your WordPress VR content. We are talking 360° photos and even videos which are available in beta. To make this work, you only need to upload your VR content as you normally would, then select whether you want to display the content in the Panorama (cinema) mode or 360° and publish it using the VR shortcode.

Needless to say, most people comment that 360° content is more like interactive content than pure VR. However, when consumed through a VR headset like Oculus Rift or Google Cardboard, rather than through a static screen, 360° content does provide an immersive experience.

And although you can drag and interact with videos and photos in a standard PC desktop, VR content on WordPress is best viewed from a smartphone browser with your smartphone placed inside a viewer/VR headset.

Are you interested in trying out WordPress VR? Check out WordPress blog and maybe join their community. Learning about WordPress VR has been fun, and we look forward to seeing where it goes in the future.